KIGALI - Rwandans should work hard and transform the country, as a way of emulating the country’s fallen heroes, residents of the Eastern Province said yesterday.

John Kanakuze, 46, a resident of Kirehe District who braved the heavy rainfall, to attend Heroes Day celebrations, noted that Rwandan heroes are rewarded daily by committed people, who work to propel the country to greater heights.

"The heroic activities by some determined people made my countrymen and women enjoy a new life in a new Rwanda,” he said.

"I still remember feeling very uncomfortable in my own country. The only reward I can give heroes of this nation is working hard, nothing else.”

Jean Claude Rutinduka, a resident of Ngoma District, pointed out that the Day is for Rwandans to think about the heroes that helped redeem their lives.

"We should remember our sons and daughters who selflessly fought to liberate this country. They spearheaded the work to transform a nation that had been left to the dogs,” he said.

"These famous figures emulate the saying, ‘some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard for it.’ We owe them a lot.”

Jean Damascene Rwasamirira, a historian, said heroes are worth remembering because of the sacrifice they made in an effort to liberate the country.
"Our country needed a fundamental change from dictatorial regimes, to a democratically elected and stable governance.”

"When some people make the kind of sacrifice for their country, when they so honourably serve, they deserve to be recognized for it. I’m glad our government observes this day,” he said.

In the meantime, residents of Burera District have been challenged to be innovative so as to get solutions to their social problems.
Speaking at a historical site in Kidakama cell, Gahunga sector, during the Heroes Day celebrations, yesterday, the Governor of the Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe, said that Rwandans should use past experiences to create a new era of change.

‘’We have a big responsibility of fitting into the shoes of the heroes who died in the struggle to bring change. We should prepare the young generation to be patriotic and exemplary,’’ Bosenibamwe said.

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